Lockdown over 2020 and 2021 was hard for the whole wedding industry, and I was no exception to this. So I was delighted to have Gary and Hannah book with me in early 2021, and even more delighted that restrictions eased off enough that their wedding was able to go ahead in the summer!
They booked Barwheys near Maybole for their family and friends, and what a stunning venue for a smaller wedding. It has been fitted out to a really high standard, with four buildings that the wedding party can take over. And take over we did! When I arrived, the father of the bride was washing some windows in case we ended up having an indoor ceremony; the groom and his groomsmen were erecting a large gazebo in the courtyard (lagers in hand); and one building had been given over entirely to the bride and bridesmaids and the usual maelstrom of activity that surrounds the hair, makeup and dress-putting-on process!
After a short tour from Ann MacGillivray of White Velvet Events, who was coordinating the day, I got to work. I spent time with the bride and her bridesmaids, photographing some of the key moments of the morning prep. The groom was tasked with organising a makeshift aisle in the courtyard, and he and his best man looked most fetching as they gave it a test-run… I had a wander around the grounds with the rings, grabbing a few images of the jewellery as well as sussing out where I would take the couple for a walk after their ceremony.
That proved a fortuitous move, as timings slipped (they often do!). By the time the ceremony was over I had half an hour with the couple before they were to be seated for dinner. So we went to a nearby farm lane that had caught my eye earlier in the day and I asked the couple, fizz in hand, to take a wee walk together. We then wandered along a track near the Barwheys buildings, to a galvanised steel door. A galvanised steel door Peter? Yep – I had spotted it earlier too, and the strong lines really appealed to me.
The couple were dazzled by some magic by Scotland’s Magician Scott Cuthbertson while the guests were seated for the speeches and meal. I grabbed a few shots of the father of the bride, the groom and the best man as they regaled the crowd, then went off to download some images while the guests dined on some top-notch food provided by Velvet Cuisine.
Post-meal we got all the group shots – normally I would do this beforehand but actually after a few wines everyone relaxed really nicely into the photos… mental note to self!
Group shots done, I got myself packed up and ready to hit the road back to North Ayrshire. I had an amazing day with Gary and Hannah and I couldn’t have asked for a better day to get myself back in the saddle! I was delighted to get back to doing what I do best, which is taking natural, discreet and fun images of the biggest day of your life.
We hired Peter for our wedding day, he was incredibly professional and friendly and delivered an incredible set of photographs that have captured our special day perfectly.
Peter is an excellent photographer and very well priced too. I would highly recommend hiring him for any event!- Gary & Hannah